Hourglass-Shaped Homo- and Heteronuclear Nonanuclear Lanthanide Clusters: Structures, Magnetism, Photoluminescence, and Theoretical Analysis.

Synthesis of nonameric cationic clusters [Dy9(acac)16(µ3-OH)8(µ4-OH)2]OH·6H2O (1), [Dy8Tb (acac)16(µ3-OH)8(µ4-OH)2]OH·2H2O (2), and [Gd9(acac)16(µ3-OH)8(µ4-OH)2]OH·6H2O (3) (acac = acetylacetonate) is reported. The emission spectrum of 1 shows Dy(III) ion characteristic bands assignable to the 4F9/2 → 6HJ (J = 15/2 to 9/2) transitions. Emission due to both Dy(III) and Tb(III) ions is observed for 2 in the visible range, with Tb(III) specific bands appearing due to the 5D4 → 7FJ (J = 6, 4, and 3) transitions. Cluster 3 exhibits a significant magnetocaloric effect (MCE), with -ΔSm values increasing with decrease in temperature and increase in field, reaching -ΔSmmax = 20.98 J kg-1 K-1 at 2 K and 9 T. Isotropic magnetic coupling constants (Js) in 3 derived from density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the exchange interactions are antiferromagnetic and weak. Compound 3 possesses S = 7/2 ground state arising from the central Gd(III) ion along with several nested excited states due to competing antiferromagnetic interactions that yield reasonably large MCE values. Utilizing computed exchange coupling interactions, we have performed ab initio CASSCF/RASSI-SO/POL_ANISO calculations on antiferromagnetic 1 and 2 to estimate the exchange interactions using the Lines model. For 2, Dy(III)···Tb(III) exchange interactions were extracted for the first time and were found to be weakly antiferromagnetically coupled.

The Redox Journey of Iconic Ferrocene: Ferrocenium Dications and Ferrocenate Anions.

The recent discoveries of both dicationic and monoanionic ferrocene derivatives throw light on the effect of the substituents on the C5 ring as well as the choice of redox agents and solvent system in the preparation of previously believed to be difficult synthetic targets. These oxidized and reduced forms of ferrocene are of interest to spectroscopists, magnetochemists, and theoreticians.

Ultra-sensitive gas phase detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene by non-covalently functionalized graphene field effect transistors.

The high energy density (4.2 MJ kg-1) and low vapour pressure (7.2 × 10-9 atm) of chemical explosives such as TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) pose a grave security risk demanding immediate attention. Detection of such hazardous and highly challenging chemicals demands specific, ultra-sensitive and rapid detection platforms that can concomitantly transduce the signal as an electrical readout. Although chemo-sensitive strategies have been investigated, the majority of them are restricted to detecting TNT from solutions and are therefore not implementable in real-time, on-field situations. Addressing this demand, we report an ultra-sensitive (parts-per-billion) and rapid (∼40 s) detection platform for TNT based on non-covalently functionalized graphene field effect transistors (GFETs). This multi-parametric GFET detector exhibits a reliable and specific modulation in its Dirac point upon exposure to TNT in the vapour phase. The chemical specificity provided by 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tri(p-tolyl) zinc porphyrin (ZnTTPOH) is synergistically combined with the high surface sensitivity of graphene through a non-covalent functionalization approach to realise p-doped GFETs (Zn-GFETs). Such a FET platform exhibits extremely sensitive shifts in Dirac point (ΔDP) that correlate with the number of nitro groups present in the analyte. Analytes with mono-, di-, and tri-nitro substituted aromatic molecules exhibit distinctly different ΔDP, leading to unprecedented specificity towards TNT. Additionally, the Dirac point of Zn-GFETs is invariant for common and potential interferons such as acetone and 2-propanol (perfume emulsifiers) thereby validating their practical applicability. Furthermore, the ΔDP is also manifested as changes in the contact potential of GFETs, indicating that sub-monolayer coverage of ZnTTPOH is sufficient to modulate the transfer characteristics of GFETs over an area 1000 times larger than the dopant dimensions. Specifically, ZnTTPOH-functionalized GFETs exhibit p-doped behaviour with positive ΔDP with respect to pristine GFETs. Such p-doped Zn-GFETs undergo selective charge-transfer mediated interactions with TNT resulting in enhanced electron withdrawal from Zn-GFETs. Thus the ΔDP shifts to a higher positive gate voltage leading to the dichotomous combination of the highest signal generation (1.2 × 1012 V mol-1) with ppb level molecular sensitivity. Significantly, the signal generated due to TNT is 105 times higher in magnitude compared to other potential interferons. The signal reliability is established in cross-sensitivity measurements carried out with a TNT-mDNB (1 : 10 molar ratio) mixture pointing to high specificity for immediate applications under atmospherically relevant conditions pertaining to homeland security and global safety.

Ab initio chemical synthesis of designer metal phosphate frameworks at ambient conditions.

Stepwise hierarchical and rational synthesis of porous zinc phosphate frameworks by predictable and directed assembly of easily isolable tetrameric zinc phosphate [Zn(dipp)(solv)]4 (dippH2 = diisopropylphenyldihydrogen phosphate; solv = CH3OH or dimethyl sulfoxide) with D4R (double-4-ring) topology has been achieved. The preformed and highly robust D4R secondary building unit can be coordinatively interconnected through a varied choice of bipyridine-based ditopic spacers L1-L7 to isolate eight functional zinc phosphate frameworks, [Zn4(dipp)4(L1)1.5(DMSO)]·4H2O (2), [Zn4(dipp)4(L2)1.5(CH3OH)] (3), [Zn4(dipp)4(L1)2] (4), [Zn4(dipp)4(L3)2] (5), [Zn4(dipp)4(L4)2] (6), [Zn4(dipp)4(L5)2] (7), [Zn4(dipp)4(L6)2] (8), and [Zn4(dipp)4(L7)2] (9), in good yield. The preparative procedures are simple and do not require high pressure or temperature. Surface area measurements of these framework solids show that the guest accessibility of the frameworks can be tuned by suitable modification of bipyridine spacers.

Selective fluorescence sensing of polynitroaromatic explosives using triaminophenylbenzene scaffolds.

A supramolecular fluorophore, 1,3,5-tris(4'-aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB), selectively senses polynitroaromatic compounds (PNAC), viz. 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), picric acid (PA), m-dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) and p-dinitrobenzene (p-DNB) through donor-acceptor complexation. Steady-state and time resolved fluorescence measurements indicate predominantly static quenching of the TAPB fluorophore with TNT, DNT, m-DNB and p-DNB. In the case of PA, a new emissive band with a marginally longer lifetime emerges due to complex formation with TAPB. The selectivity of sensing action is rationalized through computation of HOMO and LUMO energies for both the fluorophore and the analytes using the M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. Practical utility of the fluorophore has also been demonstrated with TNT and DNT vapour.

A rigid calcium 2-ethylhexylphosphate one-dimensional polymer: synthesis, structure, thermal behaviour and decomposition chemistry.

The reactivity of two different phosphate esters has been explored with calcium ions. The reaction of calcium oxide with a mixture of mono/bis 2-ethylhexyl phosphate and 1,10-phenanthroline leads to the formation of the 1-D polymer [(phen)Ca(ehpH)2]n (1). On the other hand, the reaction of Ca(OAc)2 with trimethyl phosphate in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline however yields needle-shaped colourless crystals of [(phen)Ca(OAc)2]n (2). Compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The solid-state structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The arrangement of rigid and flexible parts in 1 makes it an interesting compound to be studied for its thermal behaviour. DSC experiments performed above and below room temperature reveal thermal transitions in both the ranges, where below room temperature transition is prominent. A combination of variable temperature powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments provides further insights into these transitions. Solid-state bulk thermolysis of 1 at 500 °C leads to an amorphous material contaminated with graphitic carbon which upon further heating to 600 °C produces crystalline α-Ca(PO3)2.

Boron: the first p-block element to fix inert N2 all the way to NH3.

Boron, the fifth lightest element, in its sub-valent state in the form of borylene is able to activate inert dinitrogen all the way to the ammonium ion. The entire conversion has been established through a successive reduction-cum-protonation sequence, through the isolation of all intermediate species involving addition of two electrons and two protons. The activation of dinitrogen by the ambiphilic borylene is a parallel tactic to that of the well-known Haber-Bosch process. This chemistry can be potentially extrapolated to the activation of similar small molecules by low valent compounds of boron and other p-block elements.

Enhancing the barrier height for Yb(III) single-ion magnets by modulating axial ligand fields.

The effect of systematic modification of the axial ligand field X on Ueff values in Yb(iii)-based SIMs, [Yb(Ph3PO)4X2]X' (X, X' = NO3 (1), OTf (2) and X = I/Br/Cl; X' = I3 (3)), whose equatorial Ph3PO ligation remains unchanged, has been investigated. Combined magnetic studies coupled with ab initio calculations reveal weakening of the axial ligand fields leading to the increase in the energy barrier, apart from suggesting the operation of different relaxation pathways.

Gallophosphonates Containing Alkali Metal Ions. 2.(1) Synthesis and Structure of Gallophosphonates Incorporating Na(+) and K(+) Ions.

The reactions between t-BuP(O)(OH)(2) and equimolar quantities of MGaMe(4) (M = Na, K) yield ionic and alkali metal containing molecular gallophosphonates [Na(4)(&mgr;(2)-OH(2))(2)(THF)(2)][(Me(2)GaO(3)PBu-t)(2)](2).2THF (2) and [K(THF)(6)][K(5)(THF)(2){(Me(2)GaO(3)PBu-t)(2)}(3)] (3), respectively. Compounds 2 and 3are soluble in common organic solvents and have been characterized by means of analytical and spectroscopic techniques, as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. These compounds represent the rare examples of molecular ionic phosphonate cages which contain coordinated Na(+) or K(+) ions. Compound 2 is constructed from two eight-membered Ga(2)O(4)P(2) gallium phosphonate rings which sandwich a central Na(4)(H(2)O)(2) unit. In the case of 3, three eight-membered Ga(2)O(4)P(2) gallium phosphonate units envelope an aggregated K(5) core which exists in the form of a trigonal-bipyramidal polyhedron. The Na(+) and K(+) ions in 2 and 3 are also coordinated by the endocyclic oxygen atoms of the eight-membered gallophosphonate crowns, apart from the regular exocyclic P-O coordination. Unlike the lithium gallophosphonate [Li(4)(THF)(4)][{(MeGaO(3)PBu-t)(3)(&mgr;(3)-O(2))}(2)] (1), compounds 2 and 3 do not undergo any clean cage conversion reaction in the presence of 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6, respectively.

A double helix is the repeating unit in a luminescent calcium 5-aminoisophthalate supramolecular edifice with water-filled hexagonal channels.

Calcium 5-aminoisophthalate {[Ca(AIP)(OH2)4](H2O)} proportional, variant (1), synthesized from Ca(OH)2 and H2AIP, exists as a double helix. Hydrogen-bonding interactions between metal-bound water molecules, carboxylate oxygen, and the -NH2 group result in the formation of a supramolecular assembly, where the double helices are connected to each other to form hexagonal channels filled with water molecules.

Stabilization of p-block organoelement terminal hydroxides, thiols, and selenols requires newer synthetic strategies.

Metal hydroxides represent a very interesting and highly useful class of compounds that have been known to chemists for a very long time. While alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (s-block) are commonplace chemicals in terms of their abundance and their use in a chemical laboratory as bases, the interest in Brønsted acidic molecular terminal hydroxides of p-block elements, such as aluminum and silicon, has been of recent origin, with respect to the variety of applications these compounds can offer both in materials science and catalysis. Moreover, these systems are environmentally friendly, relative to the metal halides, owing to their -OH functionality (resembling that of water). Design and conceptualization of the corresponding terminal thiols, selenols, and tellurols (M-SH, M-SeH, and M-TeH) offer even more challenging problems to synthetic inorganic chemists. This concept summarizes some of the recent strategies developed to stabilize these otherwise very unstable species. The successful preparation of a number of silicon trihydroxides a few years back resulted in the generation of several model compounds for metal-silicates. The recent synthesis of unusual aluminum compounds such as RAl(OH)(2), RAl(SH)(2), and RAl(SeH)(2) with terminal EH (E=O, Se, or Se) groups is likely to change the ways in which some of the well-known catalytic conversions are being carried out. The need for very flexible and innovative synthetic strategies to achieve these unusual compounds is emphasized in this concept.

Monomeric, tetrameric, and polymeric copper di-tert-butyl phosphate complexes containing pyridine ancillary ligands.

The reaction of di-tert-butyl phosphate (((t)BuO)(2)P(O)(OH), dtbp-H) with copper acetate in the presence of pyridine (py) and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (collidine) has been investigated. Copper acetate reacts with dtbp-H in a reaction medium containing pyridine, DMSO, THF, and CH(3)OH to yield a one-dimensional polymeric complex [Cu(dtbp)(2)(py)(2)(mu-OH(2))](n) (1) as blue hollow crystalline tubes. The copper atoms in 1 are octahedral and are surrounded by two terminal phosphate ligands, two pyridine molecules, and two bridging water molecules. The mu-OH(2) ligands that are present along the elongated Jahn-Teller axis are responsible for the formation of the one-dimensional polymeric structure. Recrystallization of 1 in a DMSO/THF/CH(3)OH mixture results in the reorganization of the polymer and its conversion to a more stable tetranuclear copper cluster [Cu(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)(dtbp)(6)(py)(2)] (2) in about 60% yield. The molecular structure of 2 is made up of a tetranuclear core [Cu(4)(mu(3)-OH)(2)] which is surrounded by six bidentate bridging dtbp ligands. While two of the copper atoms are pentacoordinate with a tbp geometry, the other two copper atoms exhibit a pseudooctahedral geometry with five normal Cu-O bonds and an elongated Cu-O linkage. The pentacoordinate copper centers bear an axial pyridine ligand. The short Cu.Cu nonbonded distances in the tetranuclear core of 2 lead to magnetic ordering at low temperature with an antiferromagnetic coupling at approximately 20 K (J(P) = -44 cm(-1), J(c) = -66 cm(-1), g = 2.25, and rho = 0.8%). When the reaction between di-tert-butyl phosphate (dtbp-H) and copper acetate was carried out in the presence of collidine, large dark-blue crystals of monomeric copper complex [Cu(dtbp)(2)(collidine)(2)] (3) formed as the only product. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of 3 reveals a slightly distorted square-planar geometry around the copper atom. Thermogravimetric analysis of 1-3 revealed a facile decomposition of the coordinated ligands and dtbp to produce a copper phosphate material around 500 degrees C. An independent solid-state thermolysis of all the three complexes in bulk at 500-510 degrees C for 2 days produced copper pyrophosphate Cu(2)P(2)O(7) along with small quantities of Cu(PO(3))(2) as revealed by DR-UV spectroscopic and PXRD studies.

Molecular zinc phosphonates: synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of [[(ZnMe)4(THF)2][tBuPO3]2] and [[(ZnEt)3(Zn(THF))3][tBuPO3]4[mu3-OEt]].

The reactions of zinc alkyls with tert-butylphosphonic acid in 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 molar ratios afforded [[(ZnMe)(4-)(THF)2][tBuPO3]2] (2) and [[(ZnEt)3(Zn(THF))3][tBuPO3]4[mu3-OEt]] (3), respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 have been fully characterised by means of spectroscopic and analytical methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that zinc phosphonates 2 and 3 are tetra- and hexa-nuclear, respectively. This is in contrast to the dodecanuclear zinc phosphonate [[Zn2(THF)2(ZnEt)6Zn4(mu4-O)][(tBuPO3)8]] (1) obtained in a 1.5 : 1 reaction between zinc alkyls and tBuP(O)(OH)2.